Le Cirque by Georges Rouault, Signed Lithograph, 1931

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This original lithograph, Le Cirque, was created by Georges Rouault in 1931 and hand signed by the artist, as visible … Read more This original lithograph, Le Cirque, was created by Georges Rouault in 1931 and hand signed by the artist, as visible in the upper right of the image.

The work depicts three solemn circus figures rendered in Rouault’s distinctive, expressive style, characterized by heavy black contours, sculptural faces, and a deeply emotional presence.

Rouault frequently returned to circus performers as subjects, using clowns and entertainers as symbols of human vulnerability, spiritual struggle, and quiet dignity. Rather than playful caricature, his circus figures are contemplative and restrained, aligning closely with the artist’s broader moral and existential themes.

Executed as a lithograph, the print shows strong tonal contrast and textured mark making consistent with Rouault’s graphic work from the early 1930s. The visible signature and date further support its authenticity and period origin. The piece is presented in a carved wood frame with layered matting that complements the somber palette and enhances its visual presence.

Also selling Rouault's "Face to Face" separately.

Artist Background:
Georges Rouault was a major figure of early 20th century modernism and a former student of Gustave Moreau. His work bridged Symbolism, Fauvism, and Expressionism, with a unique visual language rooted in spiritual and humanist concerns. Rouault’s prints, particularly those from the interwar period, are highly regarded and widely collected, with examples held in major museum collections including MoMA, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Centre Pompidou.

Framed dimensions: 16" w x 14" l x 1" d See less